Comments on: Want people to trust you? Apologize

By: Tanya

Tanya — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 19:01:05 +0000

In reply to Sara.

I have had women managers who are not good managers (or maybe just in my opinion) because they were not empathetic and never said sorry for their behaviour…. maybe because they didn’t want to appear wimpy. But really they came across as being cold-hearted. But maybe the good ones have figured out the ’empathy’ part and are genuinely treating their staff as human! 🙂

By: Sara

Sara — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 17:13:48 +0000

Thanks Suzanne! I think the more “human” a manager is, the better. I’ve met so many bad ones, it’s amazing. Apologizing for anything would be TOTALLY out of their comfort zone. From your comment above, I wonder if woman make better managers because of asking for help, being more empathetic and more “human”? Are there any studies?

By: Evil HR Lady

Evil HR Lady — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:13:56 +0000

In reply to Tanya. One thing I thought was interesting (but didn't write about) is how women are more likely to apologize for things beyond our control than men are. We're criticized for this and told to stop being wimpy. But, maybe we've just figured out that by apologizing, we get people to help us. And frankly, I like people to help me.

By: Tanya

Tanya — Mon, 04 Nov 2013 16:10:23 +0000

What an interesting study! I will pay attention the next time someone asks for my help, to see if they use it:) Saying sorry is the most difficult word to say, whether it is before or after a situation. And it’s easier to get past a problem (for instance – a coworker having a bad day and behaving badly or saying nasty things) when the person apologizes (with or without an explanation) than it is if they act that way and do not say for their words or behaviour!